Beauty Turns Bitter: Fatal Accidents Mar Tourist Season in Pakistan’s Northern Valleys

Ali Imran Chattha/ Date: June 28, 2025 Islamabad

The early days of the 2025 tourist season in Northern Pakistan have been overshadowed by a series of tragic incidents, prompting local authorities to issue urgent safety warnings to visitors.

Several popular tourist regions — including Murree, Swat, Hunza, and the Kaghan Valley — have witnessed a spike in accidents over the past two weeks. Officials report a mix of road mishaps, landslides, and weather-related emergencies due to unseasonal rain and unstable terrain.

In a recent incident, a family of five from Lahore lost their lives in a vehicle accident near Naran. Similar tragedies have occurred in Chitral and Skardu, where poorly maintained roads and foggy conditions have played a significant role.

Local law enforcement and disaster management authorities are now urging tourists to remain cautious, check weather advisories, and avoid traveling at night or during heavy rains. Efforts are also being made to improve signage, emergency response, and coordination between tourist departments and security agencies.

Northern Pakistan has grown in popularity for its scenic beauty and adventure tourism opportunities, but the lack of infrastructure and unpredictable climate continue to pose serious risks.

"Tourism is vital for our economy, but safety must come first," said an official from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). "We are working with local authorities to ensure better preparedness, but we urge tourists to act responsibly."